OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper is calling the death of former finance minister Jim Flaherty "an unexpected and terrible shock."
His family says he died peacefully in Ottawa. He was 64.
The House of Commons abruptly suspended its sitting before Question Period began as word of the death spread. Opposition M-Ps flooded across the aisle to offer condolences to Flaherty's colleagues.
Some members wept. A sombre Harper gathered his caucus to mourn the death of a man he called his partner and friend. He says today is a very sad day for him, his government and the entire country.
Harper offered Flaherty's wife and three sons condolences "with the heaviest of hearts."
Jim Oliver, who took over from Flaherty as finance minister, says she's shocked and very saddened -- calling Jim Flaherty an honourable, dedicated and exceptional man who loved Canada.
Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair's voice quavered and he had to squeeze his eyes against tears as he recalled Flaherty as "a strong, tough character" and a "great Canadian."
The Ontario legislature, where Flaherty sat for a decade, held a moment's silence for Flaherty before recessing for the day.
Flaherty became federal finance minister in 2006 and held that post through cabinet shuffles, economic turmoil and a bout with a rare skin disease that had him on steroids.
He resigned less than a month ago after delivering his spring budget.
